Man who 'touched many hearts' died after bridge base jump went wrong

A man who jumped to his death from a bridge in Australia died accidentally from drowning, a coroner has ruled.

Joshua Santos Christian, originally from Hoylake in Wirral, was taking turns with his friends leaping off the Noosa Sound Bridge in Queensland on March 24 when the 32-year-old slipped and hit his head and entered the water.

His friends frantically searched for him before calling emergency services at around 1am. Joshua's body was recovered at around 6am after a local boat operator used sonar equipment to find him.

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Liverpool Coroners Court heard today that Joshua, who had lived in Australia for some years, had gone to the bridge to 'base jump'. After one successful jump, he slipped and injured himself. He did not resurface, and five hours after the accident his body was recovered.

An inquest in Australia gave his cause of death as drowning and “mixed drugs toxicity”. Today, Wirral coroner Andre Rebello ruled that Joshua died accidentally by drowning following an unsuccessful base jump.

The coroner sent condolences to Joshua's family and released the young man's body for cremation at Landican Cemetery in Wirral. Joshua's body was flown home after a GoFundMe page was set up to raise the £27,000 needed to have his body repatriated from Brisbane to Wirral.

Donations poured in from more than 500 people - including one anonymous donor who submitted £2,000 - causing the fundraiser to exceed its goal by more than £500.

An update posted to the page read: "We have received support at an extremely fast rate and are all incredibly overwhelmed with joy to see the generosity from everyone. Eternally grateful to you all, a true testament to how many hearts Joshua has touched and how loved he was and will always be. This really has helped bring warmth to our broken hearts.

"Arrangements can start being confirmed with the funeral directors. Any extra funds will be used to support his loved ones in Australia coming to the Wirral for the funeral. Following that a large function will be held in his memory. As dates and arrangements are confirmed we will try our hardest to keep you all informed."

Friends of Joshua, who was described as "a beautiful soul with the purest energy", shared tributes and memories online.

Hannah Barrow said: "Such sad news. I knew Josh through Primary School and he was my 'date' for our Year 6 prom 'Night at the Oscars', where he came dressed as the Hulk. I’m sure a few will remember it well. I’ll never forget how much everyone liked him and how funny he was. RIP Josh, I hope his loved ones can give him the send off he deserves."

Dean Costello said: "He was always there for the music and the friends. Memories of the golden days back in the 2010s. What a legend."

Andy Harrison said: "RIP Josh! My heart goes out to all your family and friends. You were a true gent, I will never forget our days at MBNA! Rest easy mate."

Debora Gonnella said: "You were a wild heart, Josh. Cheers."

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